Education is one of the fundamental pillars for the development of any nation. Every three years, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) carries out the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which evaluates the performance of 15-year-old students in reading, mathematics and science and defines the countries with the best education in the world.
Based on the latest results of this assessment, let’s explore which countries have the best education in the world and understand a little more about the culture and education system in each of these places.

List of countries with the best education in the world

1. Singapore, ranked first on the list of countries with the best education in the world, is known for its academic rigor and is often held up as a model of educational excellence. Singapore’s education system is intensely competitive, with a strong focus on academic achievement and practical skills development.1. Singapore

Average score: 560

: 560

Culture and education

Singapore, ranked first on the list of countries with the best education in the world, is known for its academic rigor and is often held up as a model of educational excellence. Singapore’s education system is intensely competitive, with a strong focus on academic achievement and practical skills development.

Features:

• Structured Curriculum: The curriculum is well structured, emphasizing science, mathematics and critical thinking skills.
• Technology in Education: Intensive use of technology to enhance learning.
• Teacher Training: Highly qualified teachers with continuous training.
• Culture: Singaporean society highly values education as a means to economic and social advancement, reflecting a culture of meritocracy where high standards are the norm.

2. Macau, China

Average score: 535

: 535

Culture and education

Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, has an education system that combines elements of the Chinese model with Western influences. This results in a unique and hybrid learning environment. Features:

• Bilingual Education: Teaching takes place in several languages, including Cantonese, Portuguese and English.
• Inclusion of Arts and Culture: In addition to traditional subjects, there is a strong focus on arts and culture.
• Student Support: Strong emphasis on student support programs, including counseling and tutoring.
• Culture: Macau values a balanced approach, blending academic rigor with an appreciation of culture and the arts, preparing students for a globalized world.

3. Taiwan

Average score: 533 Culture and Education Taiwan is known for its robust, performance-oriented education system. The focus is on balancing traditional memorization with more modern, interactive teaching methods. Features:

• Technological Education: Strong emphasis on science and technology.
• Modern Pedagogy: Integration of modern teaching methods to increase student engagement.
• Competitiveness: High competitiveness in schools, with rigorous exams.
• Culture: In Taiwanese culture, education is highly valued and is seen as a direct path to success.
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4. Japan

Average score: 533 Culture and Education Japan is famous for its academic rigor and discipline, starting from an early age in schools. Respect for education is deeply rooted in Japanese society. Features:

• Discipline and Respect: Education strongly based on discipline, respect and responsibility.
• Holistic Education: Focus on theholistic development of the student, including moral and social development.
• Scientific Innovation: Strong emphasis on science and technology.

Culture: Japanese culture gives great respect to teachers and the educational process, expressing a high expectation of performance and social responsibility.

5. South Korea

Average score: 523

: 523

Culture and Education

South Korea is known for its intensive and highly competitive education system, with a huge focus on preparation for the global job market. Features:

• Academic Rigor: Extensive study hours and extra classes are common.
• Technology and Innovation: High investment in learning technology.
• Support Programs: Robust tutoring and counseling systems for students.

Culture: Education is seen as the main path to success. South Korean families invest heavily in education, and students face considerable pressure to achieve excellent academic results.

6. Hong Kong, China

Average score: 520: 520

Culture and Education

Hong Kong combines Eastern and Western methodologies in its education system, promoting a balanced and internationalized approach. Features:

• Bilingual Education: The curriculum is often bilingual, with teaching in English and Chinese.
• Flexible Curriculum: Combination of rigid exams with opportunities for extracurricular learning.
• Personal Development: Focus on personal and social skills in addition to academic knowledge.

Culture: In Hong Kong, education is a high priority, with an increasing emphasis on innovation and creativity, without abandoning traditional rigor.

7. Estonia

Average score: 516: 516

Culture and Education

Estonia is the rising star in European education, known for its innovative and highly digitalized education system. Features:

• Digital Education: Intensive use of digital technologies in the teaching process.
• Innovative Curriculum: Integration of 21st century skills such as critical thinking and problem solving.
• Inclusion: A system that values inclusion and equal access to education.

Culture: Estonian society values innovation and adaptability, reflecting a dynamic, student-centered education system.

8. Canada

Average score: 506: 506

Culture and Education

Canada stands out for its inclusive and diverse approach to education, offering equal opportunities for all students. Features:

• Diversity: Multicultural and inclusive learning environments.
• Quality Basic Education: Strong investment in basic public education.
• Continuing Education: Continuing education and professional development for teachers is encouraged.

Culture: Canadian education is marked by a strong emphasis on equality and inclusion, with a clear focus on developing global citizens.

9. Ireland

Average score: 504: 504

Culture and Education

Ireland combines a strong education system with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Features:

• Support Systems: Extensive student support and counseling services.
• Balanced Education: Focus on balance between academic subjects and personal development.
• Innovation and Technology: Increasing use of educational technologies.

Culture: Irish culture values continuing education and training, with an environment that supports both academic and personal development.

10. Switzerland

Average score: 498: 498

Culture and Education

Switzerland is known for its distinctive education system that combines a strong academic emphasis with technical and vocational education. Features:

• Dual Education: System that integrates academic learning and vocational training.
• Multilingualism: Education in several languages, including German, French and Italian.
• Strong Infrastructure: Robust investment in educational infrastructure.

Culture: Education in Switzerland is integrated with the labor market, providing high employability and technical specialization.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the excellent results, the leading countries face ongoing challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic, for example, has negatively impacted global educational performance, as evidenced by the drop in many countries’ PISA 2023 results. However, this crisis has also brought opportunities to innovate and improve the resilience of education systems, especially in distance learning and the use of educational technologies.

Brazil in the Global Context

Unfortunately, Brazil still faces significant challenges in its education system. In PISA 2023, the country ranked 65th out of 81 participants, with an average score of 379, highlighting the urgent need for reforms and investments to improve the quality of basic education. The target set by the Brazilian government of matching the average of OECD countries has been postponed until 2030, reflecting the complexity of the challenges to be overcome.

Conclusion

The ranking of the best-educated countries in the world, based on PISA 2023 data, offers a valuable insight into the most effective education systems. Countries such as Singapore, Macao and Estonia not only lead in terms of academic performance, but also serve as models of educational innovation and resilience. For countries like Brazil, these examples can provide valuable insights into how to reform and improve their own education systems, ensuring a brighter future for their young people. See also: The best cities to learn English.